Further development of the already established operating system, designed for challenging production conditions. The result: a revolutionary bespoke touch panel that is both sensitive and tough.
Initial situation & challenge
Rollomatic is a Swiss mechanical engineering company specializing in the development and manufacture of high-precision CNC machines for grinding cutting tools, cylindrical grinding and laser processing of very hard materials. At the headquarters in Le Landeron (NE), state-of-the-art machines are produced on over 12,000 sqm which are used all over the world.
Rollomatic approached ALGRA with the requirement to further develop the existing control system of the GrindSmart® tool grinder product line, which was already established on the market, with a modern touch operation. The challenge? Ensuring that the touch operation works reliably and safely even under harsh production conditions – such as operation with gloves or when the surface is dirty. In addition, it should look beautiful, emphasize the “modernity” of the high-precision grinding machine and follow a playfully simple operation that is a pleasure to use.
Approach and solution
In close cooperation with Rollomatic’s product development team, a completely new and revolutionary control system for the GrindSmart® tool grinding machines was developed over a period of 18 months, which meets customer-specific requirements. The flat design and adjustable pressure sensitivity of the touch control panel was made possible in a cost-effective way with the Agnostic-HMI technology developed by ALGRA. The Agnostic hardware and software components have been specifically adapted to ensure compatibility with the existing interfaces and to address the machine control system effortlessly.
Result
The new generation of Rollomatic GrindSmart® tool grinding machines is now equipped with high-quality, pressure-sensitive touch input systems. Key illumination with finger guidance integrated into the glass front enables precise control of the machine. Aesthetically very elegant and modern, the input keyboard meets all the requirements of a machine tool at the same time.
ALGRA services
– Consulting and prototype development
– Delivery of Agnostic hardware and software, customer-specific customization included
– Milled aluminium frame and mechanical emergency stop button
– Series production of touch control
Interview with ALGRA project manager Joshua Fajardo
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